How to get a Washington Driver's License
Find out how to get a new WA driver's license, replace your out-of-state license and requirements for international drivers with this Washington DMV guide.
The Rules
Under WA DMV guidelines, you must be 18, but if you are at least 16 you may obtain a Washington driver's license if you:
- have proof that you passed an approved driver education course that includes both classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction; and
- have permission from your parent or guardian.
All applicants need to be familiar with the Washington Driver's Manual. Think you know the material? Take our DMV practice test now and test your driving knowledge.
If you are under age 18, you will be required to pass a knowledge test on Washington traffic safety laws plus take a vision, hearing and color recognition test before you can take the road skills test.
If you are over age 18, you must have had an instruction permit for at least six months and show proof of your successful completion of a state-approved driver education program. Plus, your parent or guardian must certify that you received at least 40 hours of driving practice, ten of which must have been completed after sunset before you can take the road skills test.
New WA Residents
New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain a Washington license within 30 days of establishing a permanent residence in WA. When heading to the DMV, be sure to bring the license from your former state as you will be required to surrender it in order to obtain the new license.
The written exam, vision, hearing and color recognition test are required to change a valid out-of-state license to a WA driver's license, however the road skills test may be waived at the discretion of the examiner.
If your out-of-state license is expired you may have to apply as a new driver and take the vision test, written test and road test.
International Drivers
If you are at least sixteen years of age and have in your immediate possession a valid Driver License issued to you in your home state, you may operate a motor vehicle in this state for a period not to exceed six months. If you have a license issued by another country you may operate a motor vehicle in this state for a period not to exceed one year.
If you are a holder of a valid foreign driver license and wish to convert to a Washington driver license, you must take and pass all required tests.
Paperwork
Before you head to the Washington DMV Office, make sure you have all of the following required documents to get your driver's license:
On the Road
Once your licensing requirements have been met, you will receive your basic driver's license that is valid for five years and will expire on your birthday. Remember... the safe operation of a vehicle requires practiced skill, knowledge, and a respectful understanding of the limitations imposed by the other drivers and the environment.
Driver's License Resources
Washington Driver's Manual |
